Chapter 13: The Spread of Chinese Civilization: Japan, Korea, Vietnam

The spread of ideas, organizational models, and material culture from a common Chinese center spawned the rise of three civilizations: Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Japan: The Imperial Age

Japanese civilizations borrowed many things from China such as: army, bureaucracy, etiquette, and art.

The attempt to remake Japanese monarch was rejected because changes were resisted by Buddhist rulers and families.

Buddhism influence was later limited resulting in more bureaucratic freedom of change.

Japanese courts lost political control to aristocratic families and local warlords.

Warrior class began to dominate aspects of everyday life.

The Era of Warrior Dominance

Because of constant civil wars in 1467-1477, Japan reverted to barbarism with declining Chinese influence.

After the time of war, guild organizations reconstructed Japanese civilization by providing social stability and group protection.

Korea: Between China and Japan

Korea had a separate identity from China in terms of dress, cuisine, and a unique social class system, despite sinification and the extensive adaptation of Chinese culture including Buddhism and Chinese writing.

Between China and Southeast Asia: The Making of Vietnam

The Han dynasty conquered Vietnam at the end of the 2nd century, but it successfully regained independence after about 800 years although Chinese culture continued to play central roles in society.